Undergraduate Program

The Mechanical Engineering curriculum contains offerings in the basic sciences, mathematics and the engineering sciences. In addition extensive practice is given in applying principles and fundamental knowledge to engineering analysis, design and experimentation. Elective sequences are available in applied mechanics, energy systems, manufacturing engineering and aerospace engineering. This program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET (http://www.abet.org). (See the department's Undergraduate Program Handbook.)

Applied Mechanics is concerned with the motion and causal effects of forces on this motion. Engineers in this area apply principles of mechanics to the study, design and development of systems and components, which transmit, motion, forces, power or any combination of these.

Energy Systems use reciprocating and rotating engines, which utilize gas combustion, steam pressure, or nuclear energy solar energy to generate power which is transmitted through shaft motion. This shaft power may be used in power plants to generate electrical power or it may be used to drive the wheels in ground transportation vehicles or to drive the propellers and turbine blades in airplanes and jet engines.

Manufacturing Engineering includes systematic planning, design and arrangement of processing methods and equipment so that a product may be manufactured economically. Computers have had a tremendous impact in this area. Computer-aided design and manufacturing has revolutionized both the workplace and the engineer's work.

Aerospace Engineering is the study of the motion of planes, missiles, satellites and rockets.

The total minimum credit hours required for graduation is 128 including 6 credits in technical electives, 12 credits in humanities or social science electives and 2 credits of physical education or ROTC. Students admitted with academic deficiencies may be required to complete additional credit hours of work.

Candidates for this degree take 32 credits in the first year, 32 in the second year, 30 in the third year, and 34 in the fourth year as follows: